Computer Or Microprocessor Patents (Class 388/907.5)
  • Patent number: 8866426
    Abstract: An integrated circuit for controlling an electric motor, which has a primary component with a coil and a permanently magnetic secondary component cooperatively connected via an air gap to the primary component, has a semiconductor substrate in which are integrated a microcontroller and/or a pre-amplifier for controlling the coil of the electric motor. For detecting the position of the permanently magnetic secondary component, at least two magnetic field sensors with their measurement axes aligned crosswise relative to each other are integrated in the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Micronas GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Franke, Klaus Heberle
  • Patent number: 8855474
    Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor that is susceptible to backspinning and capable of generating electric power when backspinning. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz, Mark E. Carrier, Eric J. Wildi
  • Patent number: 8716968
    Abstract: A control circuit for a blender provides low-cost power conditioning through the use of a high resistance which provides temporary power for operation of low-voltage logic circuitry and low-voltage switches for a time sufficient to switch the motor on, and a lower resistance which provides sufficient power for maintaining the motor on state indefinitely as instructed by the low-voltage logic circuitry. Low average power dissipation is provided by powering the low-voltage logic circuitry and low-voltage switches using the high resistance in a standby mode and switching in the lower resistance only when the motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric K. Larson, Andy W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8598833
    Abstract: An electronically commutated motor (ECM) includes windings, a power switch, an infrared transceiver and an electromagnetic shield. The power switch is configured to provide pulse width modulated (PWM) power signals to the windings and to generate a substantial level of electromagnetic noises at PWM frequencies during its switching operation. The infrared transceiver is configured to communicate with an external device using infrared signals and convert electrical signals from and to infrared signals that carry data. The electromagnetic shield is configured to substantially shield the infrared transceiver from the electromagnetic noises of PWM frequencies from the power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sntech Inc.
    Inventor: Young Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8441219
    Abstract: A motor control device controlling an inverter to control an electric motor, includes a plurality of function sections, a voltage command generating section generating a d-axis voltage command and a q-axis voltage command, a voltage operational processing section, an input current operation section, a speed information generating section estimating a rotational speed of the motor based on at least one of a motor constant, a positional information generating section delivering positional information about a rotor, and a processor executing control software set by a user or a manufacturer. At least a part of the function sections are configured by hardware. The function section configured by the hardware is given at least one parameter retaining section. The parameter retaining section is configured so as to be readable/writable on the processor. The function section is configured by the hardware so as to be operated in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shuting Li, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Toshikazu Sekihara, Kazunobu Nagai, Yukihisa Hasegawa, Toshimitsu Aizawa, Sari Maekawa
  • Patent number: 8368332
    Abstract: A motor-driving circuit includes: a plurality of output transistors; a first-comparator circuit to compare a voltage of each phase of driving coils of a plurality of phases in a motor, with a neutral-point voltage; a position-detecting circuit to detect a rotor position of the motor based on a comparison result of the first-comparator circuit; a switching-control circuit to supply switching signals to the plurality of output transistors according to the rotor position; and a current-limiting circuit to limit the driving currents to a first-current value so that the motor rotates at a target-rotation speed when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is rotating at a speed higher than or equal to a predetermined-reference-rotation speed, and limit the driving currents to a second-current value smaller than the first-current value when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is not rotating at the speed higher than or equal to the predetermined-reference-rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ON Semiconductor Trading, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Imai, Hiroyuki Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 7834575
    Abstract: An automotive drive system for a high voltage electric motor comprises a microcontroller and ECU powered by a low voltage (12 volt) bus net which controls the drives of a high voltage inverter powered by a 100 volt or higher source, which, in turn, drives the motor. To provide good electrical insulation between the low voltage and high voltage systems, the low voltage control signals are produced by a low voltage signal input chip which has a bottom electrode which produces a control potential responsive to the ECU output and a high voltage driver IC which drives the power devices of the high voltage inverter. The high voltage driver IC has a top electrode which drives the high voltage IC function. The bottom electrode of the LV input chip is coupled to the top electrode of the high voltage driver IC through an insulation layer, defining a capacitive coupler which defines an isolation barrier between the low voltage net and the high voltage system insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Henning M Hauenstein
  • Patent number: 7764041
    Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronous operation of variable speed drives having active converters include extending the synchronous operation of an active converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. A phase angle control circuit includes a squaring amplifier, a first phase-lock loop circuit associated and a second phase-lock loop circuit. The squaring amplifier receives the AC power source and outputs a rectangular output signal to a pair of phase lock loop (PLL) circuits. The first PLL circuit with a first lag-lead filter is configured with a high cutoff frequency to provide the converter stage with a phase angle parameter; and the second phase-lock loop circuit including a second lag-lead filter configured to have a low cutoff frequency to provide the lag-lead filter the capability of storing the phase angle of the mains voltage during mains interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Harold R. Schnetzka, Shreesha Adiga Manoor
  • Patent number: 7609021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for monitoring signals which are guided to a multi-phase motor by an end stage and the pulse width thereof is controlled by a controller. The total of the pulse widths of the signals of each phase is measured by, respectively, a counter, respectively for a predetermined program flow in the controller. The meter reading is read by a counter according to a predetermined period of time and an error signal is produced if the total amount of time exceeds a predetermined tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bay, Michael Henninger, Sven Kretschmar
  • Patent number: 7586281
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture control a device or system that has an operational limit related to the rate or frequency of operation. The frequency of operation is controlled at a variable rate calculated to maximize the system or apparatus performance over a calculated period of time short enough that a controlling factor, such as power consumption, does not vary significantly during the period. Known system parameters, such as thermal resistance and capacitance of an integrated circuit (IC) and its package, and measured values, such as current junction temperature in an IC, are used to calculate a time-dependent frequency of operation for the upcoming time period that results in the best overall performance without exceeding the operational limit, such as the junction temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aviad Cohen, Lev Finkelstein, Avi Mendelson, Ronny Ronen, Dmitry Rudoy
  • Patent number: 7553030
    Abstract: A projector includes a fan unit having a fan, supporting members functioning as a supporting base of the fan, and at least one resilient member operatively connected to the fan. The supporting members include a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion distant from the first supporting portion in the axis direction of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7447423
    Abstract: A fan speed control device includes a controller, a switch and a voltage regulator. The controller detects a rotation speed signal of the fan to generate a first driving signal when the rotation speed signal is relatively higher than a predetermined rotation speed signal and generates the first driving signal and a second driving signal when the rotation speed signal is relatively lower than the predetermined rotation speed signal. The switch is electrically connected with the controller and receives the first driving signal. The voltage regulator, which is electrically connected with the controller, the switch and the fan, receives the second driving signal, and controls the rotation speed of the fan in accordance with the first driving signal and the second driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Chiu, Ming-Shi Tsai, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7427842
    Abstract: A circuit for a series motor for a power tool is disclosed, wherein reliable switching is achieved by means of two electronic switches, without the use of a mechanically disconnecting switch. To this end, two electronic switches, preferably triacs, are preferably connected in series to each other, the voltage drop across the triacs being continuously monitored by a monitoring circuit. A check for faults can be carried out before switching on the power tool. Alternatively, a fusible cutout can be tripped by means of a protective switch connected in parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Christof Kress, Martin Beichter
  • Patent number: 7355362
    Abstract: A power supply with performance display is disclosed. The computer power supply mainly has a power converter, a control module, and a display. The control module receives and processes the operating signals from the power converter, and then sends those processed signals to a display in a numerical value form. The power supply can be applied in a computer, an adapter, or other electronic products, which is convenient for users to know the operating status of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Acbel Polytech Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Yuan Pai, Jung-Tai Yeh, Hsin-I Yeh
  • Patent number: 7339334
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a real-time responsive motor control system comprising a central MCU (Microcontroller Unit) core logic and at least one PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) MCU core logic. The central MCU core logic takes care of all interrupt events. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) MCU core logic is dedicated to the transformation of PWM signals so that the PWM signals output to a motor device are highly accurate. Further, the central MCU core logic may directly control the PWM MCU core logics so that the switching timing of the PWM signals is even more accurate. The present invention provides a modularized hardware architecture with flexible software control. The system design is simple and the associated cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Padauk Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuan-Po Ling, Jung-Lin Chang, Shih-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 7323839
    Abstract: A direct current motor controlling method includes a mean for transforming a duty signal to computed value by a microprocessor unit. The microprocessor unit computes the computed value and then produces a target value by executing a dichotomy method, a rotation method and a transformed function, capable of reducing executing time and executing load of the microprocessor unit and saving memory space. The microprocessor unit sends a frequency signal to a driving circuit unit according to the target value. The driving circuit unit receives the frequency signal and then provides a driving voltage to a power switch. The power switch provides a voltage to a direct current motor or not according to the driving voltage for controlling output performance of the direct current motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 7288905
    Abstract: A method and device for control of a low-cost DC motor such as that suitable for portable or battery-powered applications are disclosed such that an intended behavior for the motor may be programmed without reliance on external equipment or specific expertise. The invention enables programming of a motor controlling device by means of physical manipulation of the motor. In other words, the invention allows for the training of a motor by demonstrating the intended behavior for the motor. The invention specifies a method of parsing an observation of the motor system into storable commands, while preserving information on motor response and conditions for execution. A motor controller device comprising an implementation of this method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Evert Carlson
  • Patent number: 7276875
    Abstract: A multimode integrated modulation circuit for controlling the fan rotating speed mainly includes a voltage regulating circuit, an integrated modulation circuit and a fan motor driving circuit. The voltage regulating circuit is used to receive an external voltage signal and regulate the external voltage signal to a suitable range of workable voltage and then a first output voltage is generated. The integrated modulation circuit that is electrically connected with the voltage regulating circuit is used to receive a PWM signal with a duty cycle and a second output voltage is accordingly generated depending on the product of the duty cycle of PWM signal and the first output voltage. The fan motor driving circuit is used to receive the second output voltage and decide the fan motor rotating speed depending on the second output voltage. Therefore, the present invention substantially adopts low-price circuit elements to integrate voltage regulating mode and PWM mode for controlling the fan rotating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Adda Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Chen, Hsin-mao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7276878
    Abstract: Amperage control of a power tool motor is provided by pulse width modulation of current from a power supply. The pulse width modulation may be varied according to the determined motor current and measured power supply voltage. The power supply may include a battery such as lithium ion or nickel cadmium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, Julie L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7218073
    Abstract: A fan motor speed control circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a digital/analog converting unit and a driving unit. The digital/analog converting unit takes charge of receiving a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and converting it into a voltage signal. The driving unit is connected with the digital/analog converting unit in series for receiving the voltage signal, while the driving unit provides a first predetermined voltage level and a second predetermined voltage level as references. The fan motor is kept to run with a low constant rotation speed when the voltage signal level is higher than the first predetermined voltage level, with a full constant rotation speed when the voltage signal level is lower than the second predetermined voltage level, and with a variable rotation speed when the voltage signal level is lower than the first predetermined voltage level and higher than the second predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-shi Huang, Ming-shi Tsai, Cheng-chieh Liu, Tsung-jung Hsieh, Yuch-lung Huang
  • Patent number: 7193377
    Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a switching circuit having an input node that receives a drive signal and a control node that receives a control signal. The switching circuit couples the input node to an output node responsive to the control signal. A bias element receives an input signal and is coupled to the output node of the switching circuit. The bias element automatically develops a bias voltage on the output responsive to the input signal. The drive circuit may be used, for example, in a motor control system to control the speed of a DC motor, such as in a power supply for a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Patrick Ying Cheung Fung
  • Patent number: 7180257
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip K. Schneider, David D. Moller
  • Patent number: 7141949
    Abstract: A low noise electronic three phase bridge controlled brushless DC motor suitable for whiteware appliance pumps and other appliance applications. Back EMF zero crossing sensing is used to determine rotor position and thus stator winding commutation times. Motor torque and speed are controlled by pulse width modulating the operation of that bridge switching device which has just been switched from an OFF state to an ON state on each new commutation. All three stator windings have current flowing in each winding commutation to improve motor current waveform and thereby reduce motor noise, but the current in one winding is always terminated before the end of the commutation period to allow the back EMF in that winding to be sensed to zero crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan David Harwood
  • Patent number: 7141953
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture control a device or system that has an operational limit related to the rate or frequency of operation. The frequency of operation is controlled at a variable rate calculated to maximize the system or apparatus performance over a calculated period of time short enough that a controlling factor, such as power consumption, does not vary significantly during the period. Known system parameters, such as thermal resistance and capacitance of an integrated circuit (IC) and its package, and measured values, such as current junction temperature in an IC, are used to calculate a time-dependent frequency of operation for the upcoming time period that results in the best overall performance without exceeding the operational limit, such as the junction temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aviad Cohen, Lev Finkelstein, Avi Mendelson, Ronny Ronen, Dmitry Rudoy
  • Patent number: 7133601
    Abstract: Amperage control of a power tool motor is provided by pulse width modulation of current from a power supply. The pulse width modulation may be varied according to the determined motor current and measured power supply voltage. The power supply preferably includes a battery, such a lithium ion or nickel cadmium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, Julie L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7122982
    Abstract: A rotation information detection device detects rotation information of a DC motor based on a surge component waveform superimposed on a voltage waveform between the terminals of the DC motor or a current waveform of the DC motor, a circuit is provided which supplies a current of a current value Ipwm 45% during motor forward rotation or Ipwm 55% during reverse motor rotation to the motor over the period from when the motor starts braking operation to when it stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takanari Sasaya, Michiru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7116622
    Abstract: A method for controlling the rotation speed of an optical storage device. In the first mode, a first signal is produced, and in the second mode, a second signal is produced. In one mode, a first pulse of a first voltage and a second pulse of a second voltage are sent to the motor, which causes the motor to produce a first armature current and a second armature current. In another mode, a DC signal of a third voltage is produced, which causes the motor to produce a third armature current. The armature currents are detected, and test voltages are outputted. The first and second voltages, and the first and second test voltages are used to find a motor coefficient. The third voltage, the motor coefficient, and the third test voltage are used to calculate a motor rotation speed. The calculated speed is used to control the real motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventor: Po-Jen Shen
  • Patent number: 7112934
    Abstract: A power tool such as an electric drill typically contains a gear train that couples the output spindle of the motor to the tool bit-receiving chuck. The control circuit for the power tool is operable in a ratcheting or pulse mode that causes the output spindle to rotate in discrete incremental amounts. Corresponding methods for controlling the operation of the electric motor of a power tool are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A Gilmore
  • Patent number: 7075258
    Abstract: A power control device of an electric tool has a control or regulating device for adjusting a power output to an electric motor of the electric tool by means of a pulse width modulation, and a frequency transmitter that varies a frequency of the pulse width modulation in dependence on a required power output; also a method for power control in an electric tool, as well as an electric tool with a power control device are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Roepke
  • Patent number: 7064511
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a fan is disclosed. A single control signal value for controlling the fan, such as a single PWM duty cycle value for a corresponding PWM generator output powering the fan, may be calculated by combining sensor data from two or more temperature zones. In one embodiment, the single PWM duty cycle value may be determined based on the temperature in a first zone, for example the CPU, with an additional factor based on the temperature in a second zone, for example the ambient temperature of a PC enclosure. In one embodiment, the final single PWM value is determined by adding an offset value to a PWM value calculated based on the current temperature of the first zone, where the offset value is obtained by calculating a first ?PWM factor for the first zone, and using the first ?PWM factor, in conjunction with a scaling factor, to weight a second ?PWM factor calculated for the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Eileen M. Marando, Robert W. Schoepflin
  • Patent number: 7038418
    Abstract: The numerical control apparatus includes a numerical control part for outputting a move command, one motor control part for generating a PWM signal for a plurality of motors based on the move command from the numerical control part, and a plurality of motor amplfiers for driving the respective motors based on the PWM signal from the motor control part. The motor control part and the plurality of motor amplifiers are placed on a power panel, and the numerical control part and the motor control part are connected by a serial communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fanuc LTD
    Inventors: Hiroshi Noda, Hiroshige Ando, Yuji Sone
  • Patent number: 6965208
    Abstract: A motor speed detecting device for use between a motor and a system is provided. A motor speed detecting device for use between a motor and a system includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal, wherein the first and second input terminals are electrically connected respectively to a constant voltage potential and a ground potential for continuously receiving an electrical power; and a third input terminal electrically connected between the motor and the system, wherein the third input terminal receives a control signal sent by the system for controlling a speed of the motor. A motor speed control method using in a motor speed detecting device between a motor and a system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Twinhead International Corp.
    Inventor: Chuan-Fa Chen
  • Patent number: 6949899
    Abstract: A brushless dc motor includes a conversion circuit and a dc motor drive circuit. The conversion circuit includes a rectifier unit, a pulse-wave-absorbing unit, a filter unit, a voltage-stabilizing control unit and a voltage-stabilizing unit. The rectifier unit, the pulse-wave-absorbing unit and the filter unit are serially connected between an ac power source and the dc motor drive circuit. The ac power source is rectified, stabilized and filtered to thereby supply with a dc voltage to the dc motor drive circuit. The voltage-stabilizing control unit and the voltage-stabilizing unit are serially connected between the rectifier unit and the dc motor drive circuit so as to limit a passage of a high voltage and to allow a passage of a low voltage through the dc motor drive circuit. Thereby, the voltage-stabilizing control unit and the voltage-stabilizing unit are commonly in control of the operation of the dc motor drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Wen-Chung Wu, Chung-Ken Cheng
  • Patent number: 6933702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and a control system for a motor. The control method and the control system of the invention transfer the motor dynamic equations of the synchronous d-q frame into a motor parameter (for example, the leakage inductance) and the equivalent counter electromotive force. Then the required control signals for the motor current control can be obtained. The control method of the invention not only preserves the merit of constant switching frequency of the convention PI-PWM control system, but also can eliminate the motor current phase-lag problem of the invention PI-PWM control system. Also, the control method of the invention will have the following characteristics and economic advantages such as high accuracy, fast response, low cost and robustness, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 6819074
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a driving speed of a motor comprises a motor controller provided in the motor controlling apparatus detecting the motor driving speed in response to pulses outputted from an encoder. The motor controller adjusts a detection period for the pulses according to the motor driving speed, thereby measuring the motor driving speed. The motor controller sets the detection period so that a number of four-multiplied pulses can be a multiple of four. Although a phase difference between pulses outputted from an encoder is not constant, the motor controlling apparatus can obtain a desired response characteristic by excluding effects of a phase error between the pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho-Sun Yoo
  • Patent number: 6819069
    Abstract: The rotation speed of an electric motor (9) is controlled by a controller (6) which receives its setpoint from a characteristic function (23). The characteristic function (23) calculates a setpoint for the controller (6) on the basis of an originally analog variable A (2) that is converted to digital by an A/D converter AD (10), with the aid of support values of a “MEM+DATA” characteristic that are stored in a memory (4); those values not predefined by the support values are calculated by interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: EBM-PAPST St. Georgen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörg Hornberger, Frank Jeske, Hansjorg Kaltenbrunner, Arno Karwath, Hermann Rappenecker, Thomas Dufner
  • Patent number: 6803736
    Abstract: A system for controlling a regulator equipped with an electric servomotor in a motor vehicle. With reference to an example of an electronic steering system that has an electric-motor steering regulator, output parameters are generated by a model-assisted monitor for evaluating the suitability of a correction for the regulator, and thus criteria for a possible shutdown or to initiate emergency action, as a function of setpoint parameters for the electric servomotor, of instantaneous parameters measured by individual sensors, and of the driving state, and, based on a setpoint behavior of the regulator and on a model simulating the control sections it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Hommel, Wolfgang Kraemer
  • Patent number: 6646396
    Abstract: A DC electric motor includes an internal programmable element that permits it to be synchronized to an external reference signal. To that end, the motor includes a rotor capable of rotating at a rotational speed, rotor circuitry that controls the rotational speed of the rotor, and an input to receive the noted external reference signal, which indicates a preset speed. In addition, the motor also includes the noted programmable element, which is operatively coupled with the input and the rotor circuitry within the motor. The programmable element is capable of comparing the external reference signal with the rotational speed of the rotor and, consequently, controls the rotor circuitry based upon the comparison of the external reference signal and the rotational speed of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Comair Rotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Brown, Francisco Jauregui
  • Patent number: 6586904
    Abstract: A switched reluctance drive is supplied from a voltage source which varies from the voltage at which the control laws for the drive were determined. The control system compensates for this by modifying both the speed and torque values used to determine the correct firing angles for the demanded load. The system works over a very wide range of voltage variation and is independent of the shape of the torque/speed curve of the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Switched Reluctance Drives, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Leo McClelland, Jonathan Richard Quinn
  • Patent number: 6563285
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a stepper motor that may be used in a paper feed rolling arrangement of a printer. The method includes storing step mode selection data in combination with time data in a single table for retrieval and use by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jon Eade, Randall David Mayo
  • Patent number: 6522094
    Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Griesemer, Christopher J. Wieloch, Kurt von Eckroth
  • Patent number: 6518723
    Abstract: An H-bridge motor driving circuit has, between a PWM comparator and a control circuit, first and second frequency dividers for frequency-dividing, by 2, an AND gate, OR gate, and first and second and second inverters. During a first period, the first and second MOS transistors are turned on, and the second and third MOS transistors are turned off, caused a current to flow through a motor. During a next second period, the third and fourth MOS transistors are turned on, and the first and second MOS transistors are turned off, causing a regenerative current to flow through the motor. During a next third period, the MOS transistors are turned on and off in the same manner as during the first period, causing a current to flow through the motor. During a final fourth period, the first and second MOS transistors are turned on, and the third and fourth MOS transistors are turned off, caused a regenerative current to flow through the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Oku
  • Patent number: 6512341
    Abstract: The invention provides an motor drive apparatus comprising a detector for detecting a terminal voltage in a non-energized phase and a detector for detecting a DC voltage applied to the main line of an inverter. The rotation of the brushless motor is controlled by specifying the inverter circulating current period from the terminal voltage and the DC voltage and calculating the magnetic pole position of the rotor from the terminal voltage after the end of the inverter circulating current period and a waveform of the terminal voltage predetermined from the characteristics of the brushless motor. As a result, the brushless motor can be rotated stably throughout a wide revolution range from low to high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Matsushiro, Keizo Matsui, Kazushige Narazaki, Toru Tazawa
  • Patent number: 6504337
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for modeling an electric motor. The method includes the steps of interpolating a flux density for each angular position within an air gap of the electric motor from a predetermined air gap and tooth magnetization magnetomotive force versus air gap flux density curve, decomposing the interpolated flux density into a set of harmonic components using a fast Fourier transform and determining a flux density error function from the decomposed set of harmonic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel M. Saban, Patrick L. Jansen, Charles M. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6483265
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for minimizing electrical machine vibration are described. In an exemplary embodiment of the method, power is applied to the motor under microprocessor control such that a pulse modulated current profile is applied to the motor which in turn controls the amount of torque generated by the motor. By adjusting current profiles, torque generation is controlled, and vibration and noise are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Hollenbeck, David M. Erdman
  • Patent number: 6445879
    Abstract: A method for braking a washing machine in accordance with the present invention comprising the steps of: setting up an initial data of a duty ratio corresponding to a detected speed and a rotating position; discharging a voltage of the capacitor filter during a duty-on cycle according to the duty ratio set up in the preceding step; and charging a voltage to the capacitor filter during duty-off cycle when the duty-on cycle of the preceding step is finished. As described above, the dynamic braking resistor is not used in the method for braking the washing machine according to the present invention so that the size and the production cost are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Chul Youn, Joo Hwan Lee, Chul Woong Lee, In Hwan Ra, Beom Seok Ko
  • Publication number: 20020045953
    Abstract: A function selecting control system is provided, which modularizes a plurality of wiper control systems, builds them in an integrated circuit, and selects a desired system on the basis of a selection signal of the system from the outside, thereby drive-controlling a wiper motor. The function selecting control system includes: input means 30a for inputting a selection signal which selects a control logic block 30h corresponding to a starting control mode out of the control logic blocks provided for every control mode of the motor; judgment means 30c for reading the input selection signal for a standard number of times and for judging the coincidence among the read selection signals; count means 30e for counting the number of times of the coincidence; settlement means 30f for settling the selection signal when the number of times of the coincidence reaches the predetermined standard number; and system starting means 30g for starting a control logic corresponding to the settled selection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiko Torikoshi, Kazuhiro Kubota, Yuichi Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6369472
    Abstract: A device for acquiring operating parameters on electric motors with an arrangement that is influenced by an effect of at least one operating parameter of an electric motor. The arrangement is designed to store and display the effect. To obtain reliable information regarding the recyclability of the electric motor, the operating time and/or the number of motor starts can be detected by an electronic circuit and stored in a memory from which respective data can be read out and analyzed at a proper time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grimm, Wolf-Henning Rech, Markus Klausner
  • Patent number: 6369530
    Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kovach, Michael S. Holford, Gary F. Skinner, Marek Jarosinski, Erwin Gaudyn, David Vogel, Wendell B. Colson
  • Patent number: 6356044
    Abstract: A motor having a rotor and stator for use with a power supply. A power switching circuit connected between the windings and the power supply selectively energizes windings of the stator to generate the magnetic field applied to the rotor to cause the rotor to rotate. A microprocessor circuit including a microprocessor controls the power switching circuit. A module having a module circuit controls the operation of the microprocessor circuit. A module connector connected to the microprocessor circuit releaseably receives the module. The module connector is within a housing and receives the module and connects the module circuit to the microprocessor circuit. The microprocessor circuit is responsive to the module circuit for controlling the power switching circuit as a function of the module circuit, whereby the operation of the motor is a function of the module circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William R. Archer